Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry sharply responds to Slovak PM Fico’s remarks, calling them offensive and dangerous
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico “still does not understand the true reasons behind this criminal aggression,” nor the dangers of cozying up to Moscow. The ministry emphasized that the head of government of an EU member state allows himself offensive rhetoric toward Ukraine and its people, and warned him against using “folkloric allegories.”
“This recklessness insults the memory of the fallen, the suffering of millions of Ukrainian families, and the sacrifice of those fighting for freedom,” the ministry said.
The ministry also pointed out that Fico’s statements “clash with the spirit of good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual respect” that the Slovak people show toward Ukraine. Thus, the MFA stressed that the Prime Minister’s words also offend his own nation.
Earlier, commenting on the upcoming meeting between the presidents of Russia and the US, Fico used an allegory involving elephants. He recalled an “old African truth,” saying that regardless of the outcome of the meeting, “the grass always suffers,” implying that Ukraine will bear the consequences.
“Do you remember the old African truth I so often repeat? It doesn’t matter whether elephants fight or make love—the grass always suffers. Whatever happens at the elephants’ meeting on August 15, the grass will suffer—in this case, Ukraine,” Fico said.
This statement provoked a sharp reaction from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, which called for respect and solidarity with the Ukrainian people during wartime.Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico “still does not understand the true reasons behind this criminal aggression,” nor the dangers of cozying up to Moscow. The ministry emphasized that the head of government of an EU member state allows himself offensive rhetoric toward Ukraine and its people, and warned him against using “folkloric allegories.”
“This recklessness insults the memory of the fallen, the suffering of millions of Ukrainian families, and the sacrifice of those fighting for freedom,” the ministry said.
The ministry also pointed out that Fico’s statements “clash with the spirit of good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual respect” that the Slovak people show toward Ukraine. Thus, the MFA stressed that the Prime Minister’s words also offend his own nation.
Earlier, commenting on the upcoming meeting between the presidents of Russia and the US, Fico used an allegory involving elephants. He recalled an “old African truth,” saying that regardless of the outcome of the meeting, “the grass always suffers,” implying that Ukraine will bear the consequences.
“Do you remember the old African truth I so often repeat? It doesn’t matter whether elephants fight or make love—the grass always suffers. Whatever happens at the elephants’ meeting on August 15, the grass will suffer—in this case, Ukraine,” Fico said.
This statement provoked a sharp reaction from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, which called for respect and solidarity with the Ukrainian people during wartime.